We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Nice base for trips out to Abel Tasman

Had a great time the few nights I stayed here! It's located right off the main street in Motueka, but I stayed in the house in the back next to the kiwi orchard and it felt like I was out in the countryside which was wonderful. The kitchen, living room, and bathrooms were all fairly spacious. The dorm rooms were decent size as well I thought. There are a few big tables outside to eat and socialize on warm sunny days. I didn't use it when I was there, but there is also a free spa guests can use. Great place to stay to plan trips and store your stuff when out at the park!More

Show less

Stayed: December 2013, traveled solo

Value

Location

Sleep Quality

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask salvarado31189 about Laughing Kiwi Backpackers

1 Thank salvarado31189

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

It sounded great and looked nice but it took us ages to get checked in (reception area can fit all of two people in there so expect to wait outside), our private room had no plug sockets in there (seriously!), despite a voucher for about 20mb of wifi neither myself or my girlfriend could connect anywhere around the hotel. The longue areas weren't a nice hangout area at all, the kitchen was small and untidy (we had to go to a different kitchen area in a separate part of the hostel which was much larger and nicer than the one we were in) and they didn't have ovens for backpackers to use because they're a fire hazard apparently - the small 'mini oven' we were told to use hardly worked and our pizzas were stone cold after 10 minutes! We stayed one night and for $33 each it was a waste of money. Oh, and our room was cold but there was no plug socket to put the radiator on (probably a fire hazard too!). Enjoy.

Stayed: November 2013, traveled as a couple

Value

Location

Sleep Quality

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask JohnnyDA about Laughing Kiwi Backpackers

Thank JohnnyDA

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Kiwis01, Owner at Laughing Kiwi Backpackers, responded to this reviewResponded December 8, 2013

Hello Johnny

As with all reviews, we do take on board constructive critisism.

In response to your comment about having to wait to be checked in, unfortunately you arrived.At the same time as several other guests.Even if our check in area was larger, we can still only check in guests one or two at a time. Most people are quite happy to sit out on the deck and have a chat whilst waiting their turn.We appreciate that peoples expectations are different and it does not suit everybody.

As for recieving only 20MB of wifi, this is simply not true.We provide each guest with UNLIMITED wifi for the duration of their stay, in the form of 750MB vouchers.

We are sorry you had difficulty finding the power point in your room.It is located on the wall next to the bed and shared by the room heater, with a double adapter supplied.

You also say that your room was cold.Even in summer, the heater will work. You just need to turn it on.

As for your frozen pizza being cold after 10 minutes in our bench top oven, the heat only works if you set the timer. This is a safety feature to stop things burning when they are left unattended and forgotten about.For best results, you would need to preheat the oven before putting in your pizza.They are amazing little ovens.Many of our guests use them to bake loaves of bread and make lovely cakes.They put my baking skills to shame !

We do hope that you enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand : )

Report response as inappropriateThank you. We appreciate your input.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

my family stayed in 'the 3 bedroom bach' out the back of the backpackers. it was very clean and very quiet as it is off the main road and backs onto a kiwi fruit orchard so no noisy neighbours . it is in walking distance to town, and the supermarket is just across the street. it was reasonably priced as 5 adults stayed. it is very roomy with 2 single beds in one room, a double in another room and the third room is big with a queensize and I single bed in it. it has a nice little courtyard out the back which you can get to through 2 of the bedrooms with a table and chairs. it was home away from home for us. it has a full kitchen which we used to cook roast meals and bake. I would recommend 'the bach' to anyone, although they do have a policy of no children because of the car traffic driving past the door to the backpackers lodge at the back of property.

Stayed: October 2013, traveled with family

Value

Location

Sleep Quality

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask wendy n about Laughing Kiwi Backpackers

1 Thank wendy n

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Was a fun place to stay. Awesome staff who were more than happy to tell us about all the things we could and told us about the Sunday market. Comfortable warm rooms which was fantastic considering it was in the middle of winter

Stayed: June 2013

Value

Location

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask Wessa666 about Laughing Kiwi Backpackers

1 Thank Wessa666

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Well appointed, there are 2 separate buildings. We opted for the 'older' of the 2. The kitchen was well equipped and very clean. With free tea coffee etc. The open plan dining/lounge was great for unwinding after our Abel Tasman adventure. The heating is on a timer but is brilliant for warming up. There is also sky tv and free wifi.We stayed in a double room. It was clean and spacious, with storage for back packs and clothes. I was really impressed with this place. It has a homely feel and because the weather wasn't good it was perfect for chilling out with the other guests. I bet it's even better when the weather is good. My only gripe (and its a very small one) is that this town obviously attracts lots of travellers on working visa's and there was one staying here who seemed to think they owned the place.

Stayed: June 2013, traveled as a couple

Ask Andy H about Laughing Kiwi Backpackers

1 Thank Andy H

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The room and kitchen were impressively clean, the location was easy to all the shops, bank and grocery. The walls are paper thin which made it difficult to sleep. The owner/manager (not sure) was not particularly welcoming and quite rude with my questions. But in general it turned out to be an ok place to stay.

Stayed: April 2013, traveled solo

Value

Location

Sleep Quality

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Ask becauseicanworldtour about Laughing Kiwi Backpackers

2 Thank becauseicanworldtour

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.